KATTER'S Australia Party, which plans to have a tilt at federal Victorian seats, will bring a new voice to debates on rural issues.
Whether you support the new party's policies or not, a new voice could be good for rural voters.
Political commentators predict the KAP's impact will be slight, but they aren't the only minor party taking an interest in country seats.
The Greens have made a point of trying to appeal to country people.
Apparently these groups recognise the opportunity rural discontent with both major parties - inaction on issues such as the supermarket duopoly and battles to have services maintained in remote areas - represents.
But in country Victoria, even if voters are unhappy, many remain supportive of the Coalition, state and federally.
The current mood is unlikely to be severe enough to disconnect most rusted-on voters.
Voters should, however, welcome the chance to debate and focus more on country issues newcomers to the political landscape inevitably bring.
After all, marginal seats can attract greater attention and spending come election time.
Many of the issues Bob Katter airs strike a chord with rural people, and major parties should take notice of why.
The Baillieu Government would have been unhappy with this month's Newspoll figures, showing Labor holds a 55-45 per cent lead on a two-party-preferred basis. It's the second poll in a row in which Labor has a 10-point margin.
It will be interesting to see how the KAP's federal campaign goes and if it gives the party encouragement to target any seats in next year's state election.
